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One of the main objectives at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center is helping our patients maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin. From wrinkle-smoothing laser treatments to anti-aging facials, we provide treatment to help you look just as young as you feel. While our comprehensive list of treatments undoubtedly lends a hand in creating rejuvenated glows, without proper nutrition and care, beauty is only skin deep.

At Laser Lights, we use the Pharmanex BioPhotonic Scanner to analyze cell health, which bodies have a countless amount of that must remain undamaged for proper function. Unfortunately, due to the stressors we place on our bodies and harmful elements in the environment we subject ourselves to, free radicals damage healthy cells every day, speeding up the aging process. Our cells’ health determines the overall health of our bodies, and to slow aging, minimize illnesses, and prevent disease, they must be treated properly.

Free radicals are atoms missing an electron; to make up for missing electrons, free radicals steal those electrons from atoms around them, changing or destroying cells. Damaged cells that die or replicate are major contributors to premature aging, sickness, and diseases such as cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and other disparaging conditions we aim to combat.

How do antioxidants help? By giving an extra electron to free radicals, they halt the destructive free radical chain. In turn, this reduces your risk of most sickness and disease and slows aging without the use of surgical cosmetic procedures. By utilizing the Pharmanex BioPhotonic Scanner, which analyzes your antioxidant levels on an A-F grading scale, our highly-trained staff is able to recommend appropriate LifePak/G3 nutritional supplementation in efforts to positively impact your health and anti-aging abilities.

In addition to distinctive nutritional supplements, antioxidants are found in many foods including kale, blueberries, and green tea, which fight microscopic cancers to prevent them from growing their own blood supply. In turn, we are protected from aging and cancerous cells when we practice proper nutritional habits. In combination with proper skin care and cosmetic treatments, a youthful appearance matched by excellent internal health is possible.

To learn more about healthy skin and to make an appointment to use our new Pharmanex BioPhotonic Scanner, please contact us. For more on our services and the latest specials, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Bumps, spots, acne, and dull skin are all common skin issues that our highly-skilled technicians at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center see in patients each day. While creams and cleansers are effective with consistent use, some patients seek deeper treatment to repair their skin and promote collagen production. We provide various laser treatments to rejuvenate, refresh, and create more youthful looking skin.

Laser hair removal: Eliminating in-grown hairs, bumps, and prickly skin is made possible by laser hair removal, which can be performed for both men and women on legs, underarms, arms, face, chest, and more. Laser hair removal patients typically require five to six treatments, dependent upon skin color, hair color, and hair texture. Additional treatments and touch ups may be needed for hair removal and will vary from person to person.

Laser skin resurfacing: The Erbium laser treats superficial skin conditions such as brown spots, facial wrinkles, and textural imperfections by removing the outermost layer of the skin, which stimulates collagen rejuvenation in the underlying layers. The Erbium laser is less intense than the Fractionated CO2 laser, another laser skin resurfacing method that penetrates deeper into skin layers to erase more pronounced creasing and pigmentation. By utilizing tiny laser columns to penetrate the dermis, tiny wounds are created which are then naturally healed by the body to generate new, youthful-looking skin.

Micro laser peels: Improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smoothing skin texture can be achieved with the CO2 fractionated laser technology utilized in micro laser peels, which is deeper than microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Because the top layer of skin is removed, the body’s natural healing processes take over and revitalize the skin, producing lustrous skin with more even tone and texture. Micro laser peels improve skin tone and texture, reduce the appearance of acne scars, increase overall skin radiance, and encourage production of collagen for increased elasticity.

Photofacial treatments: If you are experiencing hyperpigmentation in the form of sun spots or melasma, fine lines, wrinkles, or acne scarring, photofacial rejuvenation uses pulses of light for deep, targeted treatment. In just one treatment, patients can see visible improvement in sun damage and skin blemishes. For ultimate results, our laser technicians recommend four to six photofacial treatments.

Laser age spot removal: Age spots are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun that we are exposed to over a lifetime. Commonly, age spots appear on the face, hands, shoulders, arms, and balding heads. Patients choose to have laser age spot removal so that they can better detect skin cancer by eliminating age spots while others choose to do so for cosmetic reasons.

If you are interested in rejuvenating your skin at Laser Lights, please contact us for an appointment. For more on our services and the latest specials, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Among our many products and services, Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center offers FDA-approved laser tattoo removal. Though challenging due to the permanence of tattoos, with our advanced lasers and well-trained staff, tattoo removal of all ink colors is possible after a cosmetic laser consultation.

During a consultation, an experienced professional will discuss with you the important factors that play into the removal of your tattoo, such as when the tattoo was applied and what you can expect during the procedure. Laser tattoo removal uses targeted wavelengths of light in rapid pulses of laser energy to disperse the ink into tiny particles. Once dispersed, ink is absorbed by the body and later disposed due to the body’s natural healing responses.

Here are three tips to having the most success from laser tattoo removal:

Have realistic expectations. Though the majority of patients will benefit from laser tattoo removal, those with fair skin and darker tattoos typically experience the best results because of the high contrast between tattoo ink and skin pigmentation. However, with customized tattoo removal treatment, it is possible to treat virtually any tattoo shade. Even green, the most difficult color to remove, can fade dramatically with our advanced laser technology. The degree of remaining color variations or blemishes depends upon your tattoo size, location, ability to heal, and how or when the tattoo was applied. Also, remember that one treatment is not enough to completely remove your tattoo.Several treatments will be necessary.

Know your risks. As with any medical treatment, laser tattoo removal does carry a small risk of adverse reaction in some patients. There are rare chances of blistering, infection, and scabbing with laser tattoo removal.For those taking Ibuprofen for pain relief, bruising may occur. Additionally, hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation can follow when pre- and post-treatment care is not properly executed. Following the instructions given by your skilled Laser Lights professionals can prevent adverse effects and reduce these risks.

Get prepared. Although laser removal is generally no more uncomfortable than initially receiving the tattoo, we recommend taking an acetaminophen pain reliever or using a numbing cream before treatment. We value the comfort and satisfaction of our patients and advise taking the proper precautions to ensure optimal results and ease during the procedure.

If you are interested at laser tattoo removal at Laser Lights, please contact us. For more information on our services, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

To turn back the clock, it’s not always necessary to go under the knife for extensive procedures. Though effective with constantly improving technology, some may feel that undergoing plastic surgery is not something they are ready for. At Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center, we offer many effective options for patients who want in on anti-aging without drastic deviations from their current look or long downtime. Rather, procedures such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, Erbium laser resurfacing, Latisse, and micro laser peels provide subtle changes that keep people guessing where you got your youthful glow.

Latisse for Eyelashes: As we age, our eyes become less bright and our eyelashes more sparse due to hair generally losing width and strength. The only FDA approved prescription treatment effective for promoting the growth of eyelashes is Latisse®, which more than doubles lash fullness in 16 weeks. To use Latisse®, you simply apply it to your upper eyelids each night after your normal bedtime routine. In as little as four weeks, you can begin to see longer, thicker and darker lashes appear.

Chemical Peels & Laser Resurfacing: Wrinkles, spots, and uneven skin patches can give away our age almost instantaneously. While we offer great fillers such as Botox® and Dysport®, we also perform procedures that improve overall skin tone and texture. Micro laser peels use CO2 fractionated laser technology to remove the outermost layers of skin on neck, chest, face, and/or hands. Essentially, a micro laser peel is a step between microdermabrasion and heavier chemical peels. Micro laser peels differ in that they use gentle laser light technology. The laser removes the top layers of skin while stimulating the body to naturally produce collagen, essential to reconstructing the skin to promote elasticity and smoother texture. Another anti-aging laser option is Erbium laser resurfacing, which treats brown spots, mild facial wrinkles and overall textural imperfections by stimulating collagen production in a less penetrating way than CO2 laser resurfacing.

In-Between Treatments for Aging: For patients with fewer visible signs of aging, both mild chemical peels and microdermabrasion are great options. Microdermabrasion exfoliates the top layer of dead skin, buffing it away with a fine-grained polishing wand and promoting the renewal of the outer layer. Mild chemical peels rejuvenate lifeless skin by using a combination of chemicals to promote the peeling off of dead skin. During a skin care analysis and pre-treatment consultation, a trained provider can determine whether a micro laser peel, microdermabrasion, or chemical peel is the best treatment to suit your needs.

To schedule an appointment and learn more about how to turn back the hands of time with Laser Lights treatments, please contact us today. For more on our services, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

While we spend a lot of time combating the signs of aging through eating antioxidants, slathering on high-SPF sunscreens, and diligently exercising, we frequently forget to protect our oft-exposed hands. After a lifetime of ultraviolet light (UV) exposure from the sun, hands can become covered in age spots, appearing as brown hyper-pigmented patches. At Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center, we see many patients seeking the removal of these patches; especially among those patients who spent extended periods in the sun this summer.

Thin skin on the backs of hands makes it clear when fat begins to be lost, causing skin to appear wrinkled and hands to seem skeletal. Fortunately, treatment procedures are available to remove or reduce appearance of age spots, which are made of the brown pigment melanin. From moisturizing paraffin wax treatments to wrinkle-reducing dermal filler injections to re-plump thin skin, Laser Lights offers several hand rejuvenation options to suit your cosmetic concerns.

Another effective option is topical treatments. Applying topical vitamin A derivatives, such as retinoid and retinol, can lighten spots as well as tighten skin by stimulating collagen production. Typically, topical products are effective, but can take a few months to produce results. We also offer Erbium (YAG) Laser Peels and TCA Peels tailored for your hand renewal.

For those who prefer to see results sooner, laser treatment is an option. Lasers remove age spots by breaking up age spots and hyper-pigmented areas causing them to be absorbed by the body and sparing the surrounding tissue. This type of age-spot laser treatment is typically mild and interferes little with normal activities. Post-laser treatment, skin often scabs and then sheds naturally to reveal younger skin. Most age spots can be removed in just one treatment.

Normally, age spots are merely a cosmetic nuisance and are harmless to the body. However, sometimes what you think is an age spot can be a hazardous condition like skin cancer. We recommend seeing Dr. David Whiteman or your dermatologist who can evaluate your spots and perform a skin cancer check. For non-cancerous spots, speaking with one of our experienced Laser Lights technician can aid in deciding what treatment will work best for your age spots. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today. For more information on Laser Lights services, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Feeling tense and stretched thin comes and goes for many busy people. Between family, friends, and social activities, it is easy to get wrapped up in the bustle and forget to prioritize relieving stress. Studies show that chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which damages skin’s ability to hold on to water and causes dryness, fine lines, and other undesirable skin conditions. While adequate sleep, consistent exercise, and meditation can all aid in relieving stress, Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center offers massages, facials, and stress-reducing products to ease tension and promote relaxation.

As many people would agree, when we feel confident about the way we look, we generally feel better. Unsightly razor bumps and ingrown hairs can prevent anyone from wanting to show skin. We offer laser hair removal for any part of the body as an effective treatment for removing unwanted hair and eliminating the stress of shaving, along with the stress it places on the skin. In addition to never seeing another cut, nick, or bump in the area of hair removal, laser hair removal can “shave” hours off of your beautifying routine.

Massage therapy is a customary way to ease bodily tension and anxiety. At Laser Lights, we offer Swedish, deep tissue, and Myofascial release massage types. Most regular massage patients report an increase in overall wellness and reduction in the frequency and/or severity of depression, stress, sore muscles, nerve pain, and headaches. After asking patients a series of questions to determine any sources of underlying muscular pain or stress, your chosen Laser Lights licensed massage therapist will begin treatment by using the provided information to suggest an appropriate massage type that suits your procedure goals.

Contrary to common belief, facials are not solely luxury treatments. Rather, they can help restore confidence and glowing skin while addressing problem areas of the face. Our staff of licensed estheticians performs an array of medicated and therapeutic facials. These customizable facials treat skin conditions such as acne, dry skin, and wrinkles. We also have dedicated facials for anti-aging, back and facial acne, men, and teens. Additionally, we offer one hour, relaxing European facials to remove dead skin, calm inflamed pores, and reduce redness associated with rosacea, allergies, or acne.

For at-home stress relief, we recommend Laser Lights’ Sage and Citrus moisturizer for a moisture boost with the added benefit of aromatherapy. The specially formulated crème contains anti-oxidants and vitamins A, C, and E to condition, tone, protect, and improve skin elasticity. For many patients, the efforts we make to reduce stress also reduce the signs of skin aging.

If you are interested in relieving stress with any of the above suggestions, please contact us today. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more on the benefits of Laser Lights treatments.

In addition to Laser Lights’ cosmetic laser services, our Owner and Medical Director David M. Whiteman, MD also offers plastic and cosmetic surgery services. Double board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Whiteman has been performing cosmetic and plastic surgery services in Atlanta since 1993. As passionate as Dr. Whiteman is about breast, body, facial, and skin procedures, he is equally fervent about advocating a healthy lifestyle to accompany your surgical enhancements.

Many body contouring patients such as those who’ve had liposuction or butt lift come to Laser Lights to further their results by enhancing circulation within tissues and reducing cellulite with Viora Reaction™ skin tightening and cellulite reduction, which uses three radio frequency modes simultaneously for a complete treatment. The technology uses a vacuum therapy to reduce the size of fat cells and stimulate lymphatic drainage to get the most out of the RF penetration. Adipocytes (fat cells) begin to breakdown through metabolic stimulation after heating. Viora Reaction™ also improves skin texture, tightens, and reduces the signs of aging.

While many procedures exist to help create your ideal body, a healthy lifestyle is the deciding factor in whether you have long-lasting plastic surgery results. Southern Plastic Surgery’s office administrator, Jackie Madison, now serves as an in-house resource for Southern Plastic Surgery and Laser Lights’ patients after becoming certified in Lifestyle & Weight Management by NESTA (National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association). The association is an international professional fitness organization that promotes health and fitness education and resources. With Jackie’s guidance, patients can participate in four-, eight-, and twelve-week programs plans that include techniques on healthy eating and creating an active lifestyle while overcoming personal obstacles, achieving personal goals, and learning to manage time and stress. In addition to Jackie’s programs, Dr. Whiteman also works with Daryl Madison, ACE certified personal trainer and founder of the Chair-A-Cise fitness program.

With the combination of Dr. Whiteman, Jackie Madison, and experienced technicians at Laser Lights, lasting success and well-being after your plastic surgery is attainable. At Laser Lights, we are happy to assist you with any questions you may have about skin tightening or other procedures. Please contact us to schedule an appointment and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Last week, we touched on Laser Lights’ various ways using laser technology for the removal of vascular birthmarks. Another variation of birthmarks are pigmented birthmarks, which are caused by excessive growth of melanocytes (the cells that produce skin color), may also be removed using laser treatment. The most common types of pigmented birthmarks are café-au-lait spots, Mongolian spots, and moles. While moles are commonly referred to as “beauty marks”, they should be monitored for change to be sure they do not progress into skin cancer.

Café-au-lait spots can develop anywhere on the body in a brownish tone and may indicate abnormal nerve tissue growth. Mongolian spots most often occur on ethnicities with darker skin in the form of blue-gray marks on the lower back or buttocks. However, laser removal treatment for this type of mark is uncommon due to their tendency to fade with time. With Laser Lights’ advanced cosmetic laser technology, laser birthmark removal for both vascular and pigmented birthmarks can be performed safely and effectively on all skin types by our highly skilled laser technicians.

At Laser Lights, we work with affected patients to determine the type of birthmark present as well as the proper treatment method for removal. If you are simply concerned as to whether your hyperpigmentation is a birthmark or a different condition more serious such as skin cancer, we encourage you to come in for a skin analysis Please contact our office in at (770) 495-9322 for more information on birthmark removal services available at Laser Lights. More for information on our services please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Nearly every human is born with a birthmark in some form; even if they just appear as a small freckle or patch of skin discoloration. Often, birthmarks are simply described as blemishes on skin that form before birth. While some birthmarks are microscopic or unnoticeable, others can overtake parts of the body, causing embarrassment and unease when the birthmark is visible. The certified laser technicians as Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center offer a variety of laser birthmark removal treatments to help restore skin to a normalized appearance.

Birthmarks fall into two classifications: vascular and pigmented. The most common vascular birthmarks are macular stains, hemangiomas, and port-wine stains, which are all caused by abnormal blood vessels under the skin. These marks often appear to have a reddish tone. Macular stains typically disappear before the age of two while port-wine stains never go away and likely darken and become more prominent with age. Hemangiomas are benign raised tumors that develop in children and typically disappear by the age of 10; however, hemangioma removal can be performed if they are a source of embarrassment in a child.

Both hemangiomas and port-wine stains can be removed with a pulsed dye laser, which eliminates blood vessels within the skin by using heat to allow the body to dispose of dilated veins naturally. The number of laser birthmark treatments required will be determined during a cosmetic laser consultation and will depend upon the severity and type of birthmark present.

Please contact our office in at (770) 495-9322 for more information on birthmark removal services available at Laser Lights. More for information on our services please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

A few years have passed since daily deal sites first took flight, when consumer interest skyrocketed and flaws were overlooked. While the products and services offered are deeply discounted, what is fulfilled by the deal is often less than desirable, especially for progressive services like laser hair removal.

Daily deal sites operate by businesses paying a fee to participate in marketing lower prices in hopes that the increased exposure will add up to more sales and a repeat customer base. While these deals do generate a good bit of traffic for most med spas that offer them, they can also create major expense and revenue deficits for business owners. Moreover, deal sites require profit sharing of 40-60% of revenue from deals like laser treatment specials. For businesses offering the deals, it becomes a fiscal necessity to book a certain number of customers from the sites to make up for the investment. This can easily lead to overbooking and compromised patient service and treatment results. This is one of several reasons that Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center does not participate in or honor daily deal site offers.

While buying $100 gift card for $50 at your local steakhouse may not pose a health threat, patients considering buying a deal for procedures such as laser hair removal, cellulite treatment, or Botox need to be educated on the risk of buying into offers that may be too good to be true.

Many customers do not inquire about the qualifications of the person who will be performing their discounted procedure. If the business in question is new, it is important to ensure that they have a qualified staff that will take the appropriate amount of time for consultation, testing, treatment, and follow up. Additionally, if the business is using the daily deal to generate customers out of desperate need and has to close before consumers have finished their series of treatments, they may be out of luck. Most laser skin treatments average 5 to 7 sessions to be fully effective. If a deal affords fewer than this number of treatments, the results may be questionable. When bought upfront from a deal site, there is no choice of backing out of a deal after an unsatisfying or uncomfortable experience. You may end up wasting money on services you may or may not use.

If a new or disreputable spa hires unqualified employees to perform these discounted treatments, laser settings could be incorrectly set too low, rendering the hair removal treatment ineffective. The more conservative your treatment level, the more times you need to visit the office; thus, the more treatments you must buy from these companies. In the process, if the untrained employee happens to set the laser too high, you could risk developing burns, skin discoloration, and scarring. At Laser Lights, we hold patient safety as our highest priority. Our Owner & Laser Director, Dr. David M. Whiteman, is a member of ASLMS, which emphasizes excellence in patient care for laser therapy.

Dr. Susan Weinkle, president-elect of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) warns that providers may try to make up for loss of revenue with unacceptable product distribution. She cautioned that there are ways to dilute Botox so that the quantity looks like a steal for the price you paid—but really you are just paying for a lesser version of the service you were looking for.

While there are exceptions to these instances and some qualified, reputable businesses on these sites, you should be aware of the trade-offs these deals create for businesses and how it could potentially impact you. At Laser Lights, we believe in working closely with patients beginning during consultations throughout treatment and beyond to ensure we devise the best care plan for your needs as well as provide the best possible results. We offer competitive pricing year round and a qualified staff that is dedicated to safely and effectively performing the latest laser and cosmetic skin procedures. For more on laser specials and treatment options without the risks of daily deal cosmetic offers, visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.